Bengaluru: With the aim of generating skilled para-medical staff, the state’s Medical Education Department has decided to launch nursing colleges in all district hospitals.

These colleges will offer BSc and MSc nursing courses. The idea behind the initiative is ensuring that the healthcare sector will not face any shortage of skilled personnel and that women will get enough job opportunities.

According to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwathanarayan, along with nursing, other para-medical courses like OT technician, dialysis technician, and other courses will also be launched since they have a good demand in the healthcare sector.

He also announced that five model technology-based health centers will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs.10 crores. One such center is reportedly coming up in Shikaripura, the home turf of Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.